Which prescription opioid is known for causing constipation and depressed breathing?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid that is well-documented for its side effects, one of the most common being constipation. This occurs because opioids bind to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing down bowel movements and leading to reduced peristalsis.

Additionally, hydrocodone can also depress respiratory function, particularly when taken in higher doses or in combination with other central nervous system depressants. Opioids can diminish the body's ability to respond to carbon dioxide levels, leading to slower or inadequate breathing. This effect can be particularly dangerous, especially in cases of overdose.

The other options listed, such as alprazolam, methylphenidate, and Valium, are not classified as opioids and have different primary uses and side effect profiles. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiety, methylphenidate is a stimulant used primarily for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Valium (diazepam) is another benzodiazepine that can also cause sedation and respiratory depression, but it does not have the same strong constipation side effect associated with opioids like hydrocodone.